Over the years, I was often frustrated by how the public perception of White Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t match the man. If you asked most fans to describe him, the characteristics they would have listed were not even close to the person we saw every day at the ballpark. I always thought of it as one of my greatest professional failures … that Jerry’s perception was so far from reality.

Then, something happened. The White Sox won the 2005 World Series. Suddenly, everything was amplified. People read about Jerry’s flying Sox employees to the World Series, they read about his gracious distribution of World Series rings. They began to read and hear about all the community initiatives the Sox and Bulls had done (for years) at his direction.

And something changed. Fans began to see Jerry the way we all see him every day, whether in the hallway, at lunch or in his suite during a game. Ultimately, Jerry is a fan, and I don’t think anyone can ask for much else when it comes to being an owner of a sports team.

This week, many of us are flying to New York where Jerry will be honored Wednesday night by the Sports Business Journal with its fourth Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Don’t deify me,” was his order.

“OK, I’ll do my best,” I laughed.

There will be a video (he doesn’t want to see it in advance which is probably good for me!), an introduction and then a speech. And a lot of pride in a lifetime of being a fan because in the end, isn’t there a 12-year-old inside of all of us?

And for me, there will be a little smile because, finally, the public gets to see and understand the Jerry we all know and respect.

Alex Rios, enjoying an All-Star caliber season, has now hit safely in 14 consecutive games as a result of his run-scoring double in yesterday’s game vs. the Angels. In all, he’s hitting .301 with 10 homers, 25 RBI and an OPS of .921.

…that White Sox pitchers own a .220 opponents average overall at home, the lowest mark in the American League and third-lowest in the major leagues?

Photo of the Day

When thinking about the White Sox-Red Sox rivalry, how can any of us forget Game 3 of the 2005 American League Division Series against Boston. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez came on in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of the inning in dramatic fashion without the Bosox scoring. The Sox won the game 5-3 for the three-game sweep and advanced to the A.L. Championship Series vs. the Angels. Shortly thereafter the Sox won the World Series and the El Duque image below is one of those depicted in bronze on the monument outside of the ballpark honoring our ’05 World Champs.

Highlights: The Sox snapped their five-game losing streak on the strength of Jake Peavy’s dominant seven-inning, 11-strikeout performance and Paul Konerko’s clutch two-out, two-run sixth-inning homer, his second home run of the season…Alejandro De Aza added some insurance in the eighth inning with a solo blast, his third of the year…Addison Reed recorded his fourth save…Jeff Keppinger and Conor Gillaspie each knocked out a pair of singles…It was the first road win of 2013 for the Sox.

Welcome, Tyler Greene

Prior to today’s game, the White Sox placed infielder Angel Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain and purchased the contract of infielder Tyler Greene from Class AAA Charlotte. Also, pitcher Charlie Leesman was designated for assignment.

Greene, who came to terms with the Sox on a minor league contract on April 4, was hitting .265 at Charlotte with four RBI in eight games. He has played in the major leagues with the Cardinals (2009-12) and the Astros (2012) and has appeared at all four infield and all three outfield positions during his big-league career.

“I’m fortunate and thankful to get hooked up with the White Sox,” Greene said once he arrived in the Sox clubhouse in Cleveland. “I’m real excited to be up here.” Here’s the newest Sox utility man:

Quote of the Day

The Indians’ Michael Bourn on Peavy (compliments of @scottmerkin): “He’s one of the best competitors that the league has seen. He’s going to bring it every time.”

Play of the Day

In a game that the Sox needed to have, Peavy rose to the occasion and collected his second win of the season.

Tomorrow’s Schedule

White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, Toronto (6:07 p.m., CT, CSN+). Starters: It will be a matchup of former White Sox teammates–Gavin Floyd (0-2) for the Sox and Mark Buehrle (0-0) for the Jays.

Did You Know…

…that with today’s outstanding outing, Peavy pitched his 32nd game with 10-plus strikeouts and the third game with no walks and 10 or more strikeouts?

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